Dental Care

Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. Did you know that you can add 2-4 years to your pet’s life with proper dental care?

Dental hygiene is an important part of of your pet’s health and can often be the cause of serious illness. If left untreated, dental problems can lead to larger systemic issues in your pet due to oral bacteria entering the bloodstream and damaging the kidney, heart and liver. It is estimated that more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of three have dental disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), adult pets over the age of three are the most likely to show signs of gum disease than any other condition. 

Our Dental Services

During any regular examination, we thoroughly check your pet’s teeth, gums, and entire oral cavity. If we detect any problems with their tooth position, enamel, or jaw alignment, we’ll alert you promptly to take any necessary next steps. Some conditions of the mouth alert us to potentially serious metabolic diseases such as kidney or liver disease, diabetes or blood disorders.

More About Our Dental Care Services

• Routine dental cleanings remove hardened tartar, prevent and help treat gum disease.
• We check for decaying teeth while your pet is under anesthesia and alert you immediately to extract them.
• A CT scan is performed to help us analyze your pet’s oral health for an accurate diagnosis.
• If you’d like to save infected or decaying teeth, our doctors are experienced in endodontic therapy, otherwise known as endodontic therapy.
• Bodily trauma and injury can happen anywhere, including the mouth. In this case, we perform a number of advanced procedures.

Preparing Your Pet for Dental Therapy

For their comfort and safety, pets must be fully anesthetized during dental cleanings. Firstly, we run pre-anesthetic blood tests to check for any contraindications and protect their safety. Kidney and liver function should be satisfactory for procedures performed under anesthesia. If we suspect your pet has infected teeth or gums, we may prescribe pre-surgical antibiotics.

What Pet Dental Cleanings Involve (Prophylaxis)

Once your pet is anesthetized, our doctors will thoroughly examine above and below their gum line and take and refer to dental X-rays. If gum disease, or periodontal disease, is severe, we may need to extract affected teeth.

About the Dental Cleaning Process

• Using ultrasonic scaling and manual equipment, we remove hardened tartar that carries bacteria.
• Next, polishing is performed on every tooth surface with a slow speed polisher and mild pumice to remove scratches and prevent further plaque build-up.
• Lastly, we rinse your pet’s mouth with fluoride to reduce sensitivity and strengthen teeth.

Before your pet’s cleaning, we completely discuss their needed procedures. Since it can be difficult to predict the extent of dental disease, please be available in case our staff needs to contact you during their procedure. Please contact us with any questions. We look forward to caring for your pet’s teeth, gums, and entire well-being!

More Information

Over 68% of all dogs over the age of three are estimated to have some form of periodontal or dental disease. Few pets show obvious signs of dental disease. It is up to the pet’s family and veterinarian to uncover this hidden and often painful condition.

The goal of Dental Services at Michigan City Animal Hospital is to ensure for your pet a healthy mouth – free from disease, infection, or pain. Oral health increases your pet’s well being, adds to his longevity.

Dental X-rays or CT Scan

Dental x-rays are often needed to accurately evaluate a pet’s teeth. We have specialized dental x-ray equipment, which allows us to take the most accurate x-rays possible.

In some cases, conventional dental x-rays are inadequate in determining the health of a tooth. CT is like a 3D x-ray that allows the Veterinarian to more accurately assess a questionable tooth and surrounding tissue.  Because of this we are able to catch problems early and our patients experience less pain and keep more of their teeth.

Extractions

A diseased tooth results in infection and pain for your pet. If repair of the tooth is not possible or desired, extraction will bring relief.

Fracture Repair

Whether due to trauma or bone disease, most oral fractures need treatment. Depending on the type of fracture and location, treatment options include wiring, pinning, intra-oral splints or bone surgery.

Periodontal Disease

The most common dental problems seen in dogs are caused by periodontal disease. Periodontal diseaseis a term used to describe inflammation or infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth. Accumulation of tartar and calculus on the teeth causes gum recession around the base of the tooth. Infection soon follows and the gums recede further, exposing sensitive unprotected tooth root surfaces and the bony tooth sockets Left untreated, the infection spreads deep into the tooth socket, destroying the bone. Ultimately, the tooth loosens and falls out. As an alternative to extraction, periodontal surgery may increase the functional life of a tooth if the pet’s owner is willing to participate in home care.

Endodontic Therapy

Root canal treatment will help preserve a tooth that has lost vital blood supply, is infected or is broken. Such treatment will preserve most functions of the tooth and maintain the pet’s appearance.

Pet’s need their teeth brush regularly just like people

Pet Dental Care in Michigan City, IN

To make an appointment for a dental exam or cleaning, call us at 219-872-4191.